Friday’s rugby news has Jones accepting offer, Rebels lose Laurie Weeks to injury, Brumbies make some surprising changes and Welsh international forced to retire.
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Jones Accepts Offer
Brumbies Chief Executive Michael Jones has accepted an offer of mediation from the Brumbies board.
The process is expected to start today.
Last week Jones rejected a proposal to mutually part ways after a meeting with Chairman Robert Kennedy.
Jones has been awarded temporary protection under the whistleblower laws but Justice Richard Refshauge ruled that the club still had permission to sack Jones as long as it is for an unrelated reason and with five days written notice.
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Rebels Lose Weeks
Rebels prop Laurie Weeks has suffered a hamstring injury at training ruling him out until June.
“It was at the end of training, so unfortunately he’s out for a period of time,” said coach Tony McGahan.
“He certainly won’t play before the beginning of June.
“It’s nice and easy for us that we bring Jamie Hagan in to the starting side. He’s been gathering time off the bench and going really well, so he’s really excited.
“And hopefully we’ll have three or four players come back for the Brumbies game (on May 13).”
Weeks will be replaced by Irishman Jamie Hagan.
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Brumbies Make Changes
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made some surprising changes to his team to take on the Highlanders this weekend.
Wallaby props Scott Sio and Ben Alexander have been dropped for Allan Alaalatoa and Ruan Smith whilst Josh Mann-Rea replaces the injured Stephen Moore.
David Pocock returns from suspension at openside flanker moving Jarrad Butler to number eight.
Nigel Ah Wong starts on the wing for the injured Joe Tomane.
Aidan Toua, Nigel Ah Wong, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Robbie Coleman, Christian Lealiifano (c), Tomas Cubelli, Jarrad Butler, David Pocock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Tom Staniforth, Ruan Smith, Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa
Reserves: Robbie Abel, Scott Sio, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Rory Arnold, Blake Enever, Jordan Smiler, Joe Powell, James Dargaville
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Robinson Retires
23 year old Welsh international Harry Robinson has been forced to retire after having surgery on a neck injury.
Robinson has capped three times for Wales and confirmed he could not continue playing.
“I am utterly devastated, and it is a very, very bitter pill to have to swallow,” said Robinson, in a statement.
“During a game at the end of last season, I suffered a significant neck injury that subsequently needed serious neck surgery. It came as a huge shock to hear the surgeon explain that it was unlikely I would ever return to play professional rugby.
“This was not a prognosis that I wanted to believe or accept.
“While I am devastated, I count myself very lucky and enormously privileged”.
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